Alabama's new gun law takes effect Thursday

MONTGOMERY, Ala. — Beginning Thursday, Alabamians with permits to carry concealed pistols may keep them locked in their cars while at work even if their employer prohibited it in the past.

PHILLIP RAWLSAssociated Press

MONTGOMERY, Ala. — Beginning Thursday, Alabamians with permits to carry concealed pistols may keep them locked in their cars while at work even if their employer prohibited it in the past.

Workers with hunting licenses can also keep their unloaded rifles and shotguns locked in their vehicles while at work during hunting season. In both cases, the weapons must be out of sight.

The changes are part of a new law, commonly called the "guns in the parking lot act."

"The purpose of the law is to make sure the right of law-abiding citizens to carry a firearm and defend their families is clear," said the law's sponsor, Republican Sen. Scott Beason of Gardendale.

The law was passed the end of a legislative session that pitted the National Rifle Association and other gun rights advocates against business and law enforcement groups. Eventually, the Legislature passed a compromise that most found acceptable.

A supporter of the law, House Speaker Mike Hubbard, R-Auburn, said, "Alabamians' Second Amendment Rights are more secure than ever." But Business Council of Alabama President William Canary called it "unnecessary legislation which erodes the property rights of businesses."

NRA spokeswoman Jacqueline Otto Isaacs said Tuesday more than a third of states have laws protecting the rights of employees to defend themselves on their daily commutes.

In the three months since the law was passed, law enforcement officers and business groups have been informing the public about it.

Rosemary Elebash, state director for the National Federation of Independent Business, said the law represents a major change for businesses. "Many have prohibited guns from being in their parking lots," she said.

Lee County Sheriff Jay Jones said he's received the most questions about the parking lot provisions. He said it would be naive to assume that some workers didn't have guns in their vehicles before the law passed. "I think in the majority of circumstances things will go on as they have before," he said.

Rep. Barbara Boyd of Anniston, vice chair of the House Democratic Caucus, opposed the new law. She worries that it will lead to more people carrying guns and, coupled with Alabama's existing "stand your ground law," Alabama might see shootings like the Trayvon Martin case in Florida.

"I would be doing an injustice to the people I represent if I voted for it," she said.

Under the new law, employers can still prohibit employees from bringing guns inside the businesses. The law also protects employers from lawsuits resulting from harm caused by an employee bringing a weapon on an employer's property.

Businesses open to the public can post signs prohibiting someone from openly carrying a gun inside. However, the business cannot prohibit someone with a concealed carry permit from bringing in a concealed weapon, according to material being passed out by business groups.

The law also provides that Alabamians without permits can carry unloaded pistols in their vehicles, provided the guns are locked away out of reach, such as in the trunk or glove box. Beason said Alabama's old law allowed a person to buy a pistol and keep it at their home without buying a concealed carry permit, but they couldn't take it to target practice or for repairs without violating the law.

The law also makes it clear that carrying a visible pistol, holstered or secured, in a public place does not constitute disorderly conduct.

Under the law, guns are still banned from many government buildings, mental health facilities and any facility hosting an athletic event not related to firearms.

The new law requires a sheriff to issue a pistol permit within 30 days of getting an application and fee unless the sheriff determines the person is prohibited from owning a firearm; has reasonable suspicion the person may use it illegally; determines the person has falsified part of the permit application; or has a justifiable concern for public safety. Then the sheriff must issue a written reason for the denial, which the applicant can appeal to district court.

Concealed carry permits have traditionally been for one year, but now gun owners can buy a permit for up to five years.

Beason predicts a few people may carry a gun openly after the law takes effect Thursday, but that will fade away. "I really don't see much change at all," he said.

Democratic Sen. Billy Beasley, who operates a pharmacy in Clayton, said he opposed the new law because he worries about the long-term impact. "I respect the Second Amendment, but we can't go back to the Wild West days," he said.

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